Minions first appearance on the big screen was in Despicable Me (2010), where their funny antics won over fans. These little yellow guys have been around since prehistoric times, causing all kinds of trouble, and they’re still going strong in 2024. Keep reading to learn all about their journey and how they became the lovable characters we know today with Fendory!
Minions: First On-Screen Appearance
Minions first appeared on the big screen in Illumination Entertainment's Despicable Me (2010). Although Minions are not the main characters, thanks to their funny, playful personalities and absolute loyalty to their masters, they quickly win the hearts of the audience.
These little creatures are designed with chubby yellow bodies, innocent faces, and especially extremely humorous voices. It is that mischief and fun that makes Minions stand out as characters in the Despicable Me universe.
Soon after the film's release, Minions became cultural icons, appearing not only in the sequel but also in the solo film Minions (2015), ushering in a new era for these creatures.
Minions first appeared on the big screen in Despicable Me (2010)
Minions Appearance in the In-Universe Origin Story
The Minions have a very interesting, peculiar saga, set in the Despicable Me universe. They have existed from the prehistoric era, as said by the movie Minions (2015), as they seek evil masters. From then and along the course of the centuries, many infamous villains have been served by these tiny creatures - a lot of ancient kings and also infamous criminals.
However, every time their masters failed or fell, they were left adrift and aimless, desperately looking for a new purpose. It was, finally, after they met Scarlet Overkill, an ambitious female villain, that they found the master of their dreams.
Minion appearance in the in-universe origin story
Minions First Appearance: Chronological Timeline
So, much as Minions are exclusively affiliated with Gru in the Despicable Me franchise, their lives extend far beyond that timeline. Here is a complete review delineating their appearances through large events in their timeline:
Prehistoric Times: Minions Were Born
The Despicable Me timeline technically begins with the opening sequence of Minions (2015), which takes us back to 3,800,000,000 BC. It reveals that Minion - like creatures have always been drawn to more dangerous and villainous beings, which explains why the timeline for the Minions and Despicable Me movies began so long ago.
As the introduction to Minions reveals, many of their attempts to serve various bosses, including T. Rexes, Egyptian pharaohs, and vampires, often ended with the Minions accidentally killing those they were supposed to help. This unfortunate habit eventually leaves them aimless and alone when the main events of Minions (2015) begin.
Minions were born billions of years ago
1968: Meet Scarlet Overkill
The next major event in the Minions timeline occurs in Minions (2015) when the Minions meet Scarlet Overkill. While Scarlet was born in 1927, she crossed paths with the Minions in the late 1960s, marking a significant shift in their story.
At first, Kevin, Bob, and Stuart eagerly try to assist her as loyal servants. However, their attempt to help ends in disaster when they accidentally foil her plan to steal the British Crown Jewels. This marks their first encounter with Scarlet and sets them against the ambitious supervillain, changing their fate in the timeline. Had it not been for this misunderstanding, the Minions’ history with Gru might have taken a different turn.
Minions meet Scarlet Overkill
1976: Meet Young Gru
Although their bond wouldn’t be fully established until later, the ending of Minions (2015) marks the beginning of their fascination with Felonious Gru from Despicable Me. The first meeting between Gru and the Minions occurs in 1968, when Gru is around 8 years old (assuming his birth year of 1960, as established in Despicable Me).
After Scarlet Overkill appears to steal the Imperial State Crown successfully, she is captured by young Gru, who freezes her with a homemade ray gun before making a quick getaway on a rocket-powered bike.
This dramatic act impresses the Minions, who immediately accept Gru as their new boss. This marks the start of their relationship with Gru and leads directly into the events of Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) and the original Despicable Me trilogy.
Minions meet young Gru
2010: Stealing the Moon with Gru
This is the most exciting event in the lives of the Minions and Gru. The Minions help Gru in the theft of the Moon.
The event occurs in Despicable Me (2010), the very first movie. By this time, Gru was already acclaimed as a supervillain, while the Minions were really on his side and working with him in carrying out his elaborate plans, such as piloting the shrink ray and helping in transporting the Moon.
Minions were with Gru now because they had managed to help him accomplish one of his grandest and ballsiest plans. But that was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the larger events and kind of challenges that the Minions and Gru will face together.
Minions steal the Moon with Gru
2013: Gru's Family Time
In 2013, Gru underwent a major transformation, shifting his focus from being a supervillain to a dedicated father. This change is evident in Despicable Me 2 (2023), where Gru fully embraces his new role as the adoptive father of Margo, Edith, and Agnes. His life now revolves around spending time with his daughters and balancing fatherhood with his past as a villain.
Gru’s time with his family is filled with moments of love, connection, and the challenges of parenthood. As he adjusts to this new responsibility, he learns to meet and carefully guide his daughters' needs. Although he still shares some adventures with the Minions, his priorities have shifted. His main focus is ensuring his daughters are safe, happy, and well-loved.
Gru's Family Time
2017: Gru’s Twin and More Trouble
In Despicable Me 3 (2017), Gru’s carefree twin brother Dru tries to lure him back into a life of villainy, causing tension between the two. While the Minions, as faithful as always, seem to consider following Dru, they quickly return to Gru as soon as they realize their true loyalty lies with him.
As Gru faces the new villain, Balthazar Bratt, the Minions remain with Gru and continue to support him through challenges both from Dru and the new threat. Their unwavering loyalty helps Gru navigate these troubles and stay focused on what truly matters.
Gru and Dru
2024: A New Chapter
In Despicable Me 4 (2024), Gru and his family start a new chapter in their lives after the events of Despicable Me 3 (2017). They move to a new neighborhood with their baby son, Gru Jr., in the hope of a better life. Nevertheless, things go the other way after they make a funny initial friendship with the Prescotts, the erratic and jovial couple who live next to them.
The plot shift happens when Gru comes in contact with Maxime Le Mal, his former nemesis seeking revenge, who is helped by his consort, Valentina. But throughout all this, there are the Minions, who will bring their usual humor into the whole scenario, while Gru's daughters, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, will continue to bring heart and laughter to the story.
Gru and his family start a new live after the events of Despicable Me 3
FAQs
Why are there no female Minions?
To render them into simpler forms and not to make the story too distracted, the creators put them as males. It’s also because of the the Minions’ often “dumb and stupid” behavior, which creator Pierre Coffin couldn’t imagine attributing to female characters.
What language do the Minions speak?
They speak "Minionese," a combination of many languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and gibberish.
Who created the Minions?
The Minions are created by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud for the Despicable Me franchise. Also, Pierre Coffin voices them.
To sum it up, the Minions first appearance, from prehistoric times until today, when they reclaim being as attached to Gru as possible, seems to have given audiences worldwide a thrill. And really, their appeal spans all ages.
